Post by Alan on Dec 15, 2008 16:12:48 GMT -5
I found this on my Hammer Endurance list and thought I'd share it with everyone and see if they have experienced the same thing.
The following article was written by Nate Llerandi of HAMMER NUTRITION:
Stationary Trainers.
Just learned this one, so thought I would pass it along. Now that it is bitter cold outside (at least in the early, early mornings), I
have moved my TravelTrac inertial trainer from the garage into our basement.
And, from a hard cement surface to a plush carpeting. On
top of the carpeting, I also have a trainer mat - which is
rubberized and will not stink as sweat collects on it (since it's
not porous).
At any rate, while I still get my HR where it needs to be, I noticed
my power output took a HUGE drop. Like 10%. Doesn't matter how hard
or easy I am going. At a given HR, my power is way down. My power
output is solid as ever when biking outside. The only changed
variable was moving the trainer from a hard surface to a soft, cushy
one.
I can only surmise that the softer surface leeches away power output
- similar to biking with running shoes and toe clips versus bike
shoes and clipless pedals. The cushioned running shoes clearly are
less efficient and, thus, rob you of speed and power.
The net-net of this is that, while it is a little disheartening to
see the stark drop in power, the quality of the workouts are not
suffering. I'm still getting out of them what I need to get out of
them. It is simply a little bit of 'starting over' with tracking my
power since biking on a new surface has changed my output.
Wanted others on this list to be aware of this, in case you are
running into the same thing.
Happy Training,
Nate Llerandi
PS. Last but not least - be sure to be in a well-ventilated area if
you are moving indoors! Have a fan blowing on you and even crack a
nearby window to get some fresh air flowing through the room.
The following article was written by Nate Llerandi of HAMMER NUTRITION:
Stationary Trainers.
Just learned this one, so thought I would pass it along. Now that it is bitter cold outside (at least in the early, early mornings), I
have moved my TravelTrac inertial trainer from the garage into our basement.
And, from a hard cement surface to a plush carpeting. On
top of the carpeting, I also have a trainer mat - which is
rubberized and will not stink as sweat collects on it (since it's
not porous).
At any rate, while I still get my HR where it needs to be, I noticed
my power output took a HUGE drop. Like 10%. Doesn't matter how hard
or easy I am going. At a given HR, my power is way down. My power
output is solid as ever when biking outside. The only changed
variable was moving the trainer from a hard surface to a soft, cushy
one.
I can only surmise that the softer surface leeches away power output
- similar to biking with running shoes and toe clips versus bike
shoes and clipless pedals. The cushioned running shoes clearly are
less efficient and, thus, rob you of speed and power.
The net-net of this is that, while it is a little disheartening to
see the stark drop in power, the quality of the workouts are not
suffering. I'm still getting out of them what I need to get out of
them. It is simply a little bit of 'starting over' with tracking my
power since biking on a new surface has changed my output.
Wanted others on this list to be aware of this, in case you are
running into the same thing.
Happy Training,
Nate Llerandi
PS. Last but not least - be sure to be in a well-ventilated area if
you are moving indoors! Have a fan blowing on you and even crack a
nearby window to get some fresh air flowing through the room.
